Alan Lewis

We were saddened to learn that former Reading footballer Alan Lewis died on Saturday, 21 May at the age of 61.

Alan was born in Oxford on August 19th 1954 and joined Derby County as an apprentice in May 1972, a few months before his 18th birthday. He made only two first-team appearances for the Rams, but was a member of the England Youth team which won the European Under-18 Championships in both 1972 and 1973.

He was loaned to Peterborough United and Sheffield Wednesday, and then a loan stint with Brighton & Hove Albion turned into a permanent switch. His arrival at Reading came on a free transfer in July 1977.

Alan remained at Elm Park for five seasons and was a regular member of the team which brought silverware to Berkshire in the form of the Division Four trophy at the end of the 1978/79 season.

Upon leaving the Royals in July 1982, he played part-time for Witney Town in the Southern League whilst also working as a builder. More recently he had been employed as a driver for Jennings Butchers.

As a player, Alan was a tough, abrasive competitor who excelled at either left-back or on the left side of midfield. Despite his relatively small stature, he relished the heat of battle and could always be found where the action and tackling was fiercest.

A regular supporter of the Former Players’ Association he attended Golf days, reunions and the odd game at Madejski Stadium. His last visit to the Stadium was for the Reading v Derby County game last September.

He suffered a stroke two weeks before his death and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. It was there he passed away, leaving two children – son Chris, aged 28, and daughter Sarah, 24. He is also survived by his mother Daphne, now in her eighties.

Alan made a total of 173 first-team appearances for Reading Football Club and scored on seven occasions.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Article by David Downs.

Did you know?

Martin Hicks, 1978-1991

Martin holds the club appearance record. He made 603
first team appearances in all competitions.

Neil Webb, 1978-1982

Neil won 26 full England caps, the FA Cup and
League Cup.

Bill Davies, 1953-1961

Bill totalled 226 appearances for Reading, playing in
every game of the 1958/59 season.